The top 5 states in the US for incarceration rates are Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Alabama and Texas. A large percentage of those incarcerations are drug related. Alabama in particular has a prison population of 192% of capacity. That's insanely costly.

Which is why I said in an earlier comment that I am for decriminalization of maijuana in small amounts to free up at least some of my tax money for something worthwhile.

I'm halfway counting on that not really increasing usage based on the other reasons I listed.

And the point Mr. Desmond was making is that states in the South is the last place that will happen.

And the point Mr. Desmond was making is that states in the South is the last place that will happen.

And the point that he (and others) don't seem to be able to grasp is that there is a difference between being "slow to change" and not wanting to change.

"Slow to change" implies we are just too stupid to be enlightened. We change all the time if we like the vision of what we are changing into.

Most here just don't happen to like or want this particular vision. Give us a good vision and we'll change in a heartbeat.

I think you're confusing the hospitality and culture of the people of the South with their history. We are a most hospitable people.

But when it comes to social issues, history says you don't know your history.

Enough for me ... if decriminalization can result in reduced deficits, more revenue, less broken homes, more education, etc., and apparently is is not a good vision over the billions spent now and broken lives ... then I rest my case about the South ... they're slow to move, unless of course, there is a sale on guns at the local Sporting Goods Store.

I think you're confusing the hospitality and culture of the people of the South with their history. We are a most hospitable people.

But when it comes to social issues, history says you don't know your history.

Enough for me ... if decriminalization can result in reduced deficits, more revenue, less broken homes, more education, etc., and apparently is is not a good vision over the billions spent now and broken lives ... then I rest my case about the South ... they're slow to move, unless of course, there is a sale on guns at the local Sporting Goods Store.

I think you're confusing the hospitality and culture of the people of the South with their history. We are a most hospitable people.

But when it comes to social issues, history says you don't know your history.

Enough for me ... if decriminalization can result in reduced deficits, more revenue, less broken homes, more education, etc., and apparently is is not a good vision over the billions spent now and broken lives ... then I rest my case about the South ... they're slow to move, unless of course, there is a sale on guns at the local Sporting Goods Store.